This was a very productive and busy year in music for me personally. With Faygoluvers I was able to do 23 album reviews, that is a little less than 1 every 2 weeks! I was hoping for 2 a month so I missed that a little but I was so close. I also did Interviews with Gangsta Boo, Madchild, Adlib, Ganxsta NIP, Slaine, Zug Izland, Cryptic Wisdom, Mr Grey, Raz Simone, DJ Clay, Prevail, and Sozay. That is an average of 1 every month! Once again I could not have done any of that without Scottie D hooking it all up on Faygoluvers.net.
I also hosted another concert this year. It was Mr Grey and his "Warpath to the Gathering of the Juggalos" tour. It was a super small venue but the show was dope and all the artists threw down! I attended a ton of concerts and wrote reviews for Faygoluvers and I once again owe all that to Scottie D, James Wright, and a few others for the hookups on that.
In 2014 we saw Twiztid create Majik Ninja Entertainment and announce their first artists signed as Blaze and ROC. They have also announced they will be releasing an album called The Darkness on Jan 27, 2015. When their tour came through Tucson I had a chance to lead their street team and actually meet them for the first time since I was in the Homies video way back in the day. This year the label released it's first album Blaze Ya Dead Homie "Gang Rags: Reborn". In 2015 we have been told Twiztid will release "The Darkness" and "The moment You've All Been Waiting For" and re-releasing "W.I.C.K.E.D" and "Abominationz", R.O.C. "Digital Voodoo", and Blaze's next untitled album. I can safely say I am super excited to see what is coming next from the dynamic duo and MNE.
2014 saw Psychopathic Records release some bombs. They released AMB "The Garcia Brothers", Boondox "Abaddon", ABK "The Perfection Collection", Dark Lotus "The Mud, Water, Air, and Blood", Killjoy Club "Reindeer Games", ICP "20th Anniversary Hallowicked" "The First Six" box set, and "House of Wax". This was a much better year for Psychopathic than 2013 without a doubt. We also saw the Gathering moved to a new location. From all accounts it was a nice change and went off without a hitch. Coming up for them in 2015 we have been told albums from DJ Clay, DJ Paul, ABK, AMB, ICP, Otis, Big Hoodoo, Boondox, The Hav Nots, Vanilla Ice, Zug Izland, Legz & the purple gang, Rydas, and more are coming. But that is purely speculation.
2014 was a big year for Strange Music as well. They released Tech N9ne "Strtangeulation", Mayday and Murs "Mursday", Ces Cru "Codename: Ego Stripper", and Rittz "Next to Nothing". They went on a massive nationwide tour. Not much has been announced for 2015 yet except Tech N9ne "Special Effects" and K.A.B.O.S.H. "Amafrican Psycho".
All in all 2014 was a really good year for Underground Horrorcore and it's fans.
As I look forward into 2015 I would like to accomplish the following things with Faygoluvers:
1. Write and post at least 4 album reviews a month (1 major label & 1 independent artist every 2 weeks)
2. Continue interviewing artists and try to broaden our reach into other genres our fans are interested in (Metal, Rock, and Hip hop)
3. Make it to Dallas and ride to the Gathering with the Faygoluvers crew. Then make the Gathering as accessable to our fans as we can!
Personally I would love to do these things in music:
1. Host 2 concerts in Tucson.
2. Finish recording and release JV's album.
3. Work with artists I have worked with in the past to get production credits to add to my resume!
I have a feeling 2015 will be a dynamic and highly evolving thing this year. Faygoluvers is just starting and I project we will continue to dominate the internet coverage of all thing Underground. I also hope Juggalos can truely embrace what I know as "Family" and stop the division in the fan base. We are all in this together, artists and fans alike, and we need to have each others backs cause noone else will!
MMFWFL Family,
Juggalotus
Showing posts with label Boondox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boondox. Show all posts
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Twiztid leaves Psychopathic Records
So we found out today that Twiztid has officially left Psychopathic Records. The reason why is unknown at this time. When I heard the news I was not totally surprised yet completely shocked. I don't know how it is for you guys but for me I had always assumed that ICP would retire and turn the reigns of the company over to Jaime and Paul. Now I really don't know what to think.
A few years ago I saw a shift at Psychopathic Records. Alex retired and Billy was tasked to take over. Since this time I have noticed several things change with the label and the way "business" is being done. While Alex was in charge the focus was on Family. Meaning that the ticket prices for shows, merch, the Gathering, etc were all kept at a relatively reasonable cost so more Juggalos could afford to take part in these live events. Examples of taking care of the Family are:
-$100 to go to the Gathering. Reasonable cost includes campsite and free swag.
-All albums had 1 version. Any added tracks would be a free giveaway with your order or made into another complete album and sold for cheap.
-Outside venues artists would occasionally hang our with the fans. No $100 VIP which didn't include a ticket for the show necessary.
-Merch at Hatchetgear was expensive but not as expensive as now.
Since Billy has taken over we have seen a shift away from Family and the focus move toward profit. Examples of this include:
-The Gathering now costs $150+ depending on if you want a good campsite or not. Swag bag is tiny and includes ads for albums coming out and a charm, that's it!
-When ICP releases an album they make at least 3 versions with the only difference being 1 or 2 tracks added to the end. They know the fans will buy all 3 and are just taking advantage of that fact.
-No more hanging out for free. Now you pay $100 for an hour of time and that price does not include a ticket for the show. You might get to hang out for an hour but be lucky to even meet any artist based on how many people show up.
-Hatchetgear is now a luxury item. No longer can a scrub save up for a few months and get a dope jersey, now it's like saving a months rent to get anything. And on top of that the quality has greatly declined.
You might be asking why I am bringing this up, well I firmly believe these changes have led to Twiztid leaving Psychopathic Records. They have always been more concerned with the fans than any artist on the label. They have always taken time out to sign autographs, tell jokes, and general be a face for the company. It was said to me not long ago "To even talk to Violent J is like talking to a mob boss. No one gets close to him unless he calls em." That really made me start to listen to what was being said by former artists, friends of artists, and other who have dealt with Psychopathic Records. The theme of the opinions were all similar:
Joe Bruce micro-manages everything and nothing get done, recorded, etc without his approval.
Joe Bruce is an asshole and tough to deal with.
Now I have no direct knowledge of this but if a majority of people who deal with the label have the same opinion something must be true in it. I have always liked ICP and their music but felt they were making Twiztid play second fiddle. Take Abominationz vs Mighty Death Pop. TMDP had a single, music video, and tons and tons of promo material months before the release. Abominationz had a few small promos, word of mouth and Twiztid self promoting. I firmly believe that Abominationz was the superior album by far and deserved more promotion and a much bigger tour set up. The same thing happened with W.I.C.K.E.D. Twiztid years ago became the better of the two groups and showed that the student has surpassed the master. Why then would ICP not take a back seat and let Twiztid shine? I can only guess Ego. They have to be the biggest and most promoted group, in their eyes. Twiztid has earned this opportunity to shine.
So when the news came out today I sat for an hour thinking about how I feel. Here is what I decided:
-Twiztid deserves a chance to shine and be more heavily promoted.
-If ICP and Psychopathic do nothing to change the course, they will be closing their doors within 5 years. They just lost one of the biggest money making groups. The other side is that Twiztid makes up a huge part of Dark Lotus and Psychopathic Rydas and those two groups can no longer exist either.
-Blaze will surely follow Twiztid's lead. They are long time homies and I fully expect Blaze will leave the hatchet as well.
-I will support both Twiztid and Psychopathic records. They both hold a special place in my life and I will not choose sides.
-The shape of the underground has shifted and I am excited to see what is to come.
Family I don't know what side you fall on, but I would hope you show support for both groups. They have both done a lot to earn and keep our respects. Lets not let this event shatter our Family. We all need to stand tall in the face of whatever is coming and bond together. I will wear the hatchet til the day I die with pride.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
A few years ago I saw a shift at Psychopathic Records. Alex retired and Billy was tasked to take over. Since this time I have noticed several things change with the label and the way "business" is being done. While Alex was in charge the focus was on Family. Meaning that the ticket prices for shows, merch, the Gathering, etc were all kept at a relatively reasonable cost so more Juggalos could afford to take part in these live events. Examples of taking care of the Family are:
-$100 to go to the Gathering. Reasonable cost includes campsite and free swag.
-All albums had 1 version. Any added tracks would be a free giveaway with your order or made into another complete album and sold for cheap.
-Outside venues artists would occasionally hang our with the fans. No $100 VIP which didn't include a ticket for the show necessary.
-Merch at Hatchetgear was expensive but not as expensive as now.
Since Billy has taken over we have seen a shift away from Family and the focus move toward profit. Examples of this include:
-The Gathering now costs $150+ depending on if you want a good campsite or not. Swag bag is tiny and includes ads for albums coming out and a charm, that's it!
-When ICP releases an album they make at least 3 versions with the only difference being 1 or 2 tracks added to the end. They know the fans will buy all 3 and are just taking advantage of that fact.
-No more hanging out for free. Now you pay $100 for an hour of time and that price does not include a ticket for the show. You might get to hang out for an hour but be lucky to even meet any artist based on how many people show up.
-Hatchetgear is now a luxury item. No longer can a scrub save up for a few months and get a dope jersey, now it's like saving a months rent to get anything. And on top of that the quality has greatly declined.
You might be asking why I am bringing this up, well I firmly believe these changes have led to Twiztid leaving Psychopathic Records. They have always been more concerned with the fans than any artist on the label. They have always taken time out to sign autographs, tell jokes, and general be a face for the company. It was said to me not long ago "To even talk to Violent J is like talking to a mob boss. No one gets close to him unless he calls em." That really made me start to listen to what was being said by former artists, friends of artists, and other who have dealt with Psychopathic Records. The theme of the opinions were all similar:
Joe Bruce micro-manages everything and nothing get done, recorded, etc without his approval.
Joe Bruce is an asshole and tough to deal with.
Now I have no direct knowledge of this but if a majority of people who deal with the label have the same opinion something must be true in it. I have always liked ICP and their music but felt they were making Twiztid play second fiddle. Take Abominationz vs Mighty Death Pop. TMDP had a single, music video, and tons and tons of promo material months before the release. Abominationz had a few small promos, word of mouth and Twiztid self promoting. I firmly believe that Abominationz was the superior album by far and deserved more promotion and a much bigger tour set up. The same thing happened with W.I.C.K.E.D. Twiztid years ago became the better of the two groups and showed that the student has surpassed the master. Why then would ICP not take a back seat and let Twiztid shine? I can only guess Ego. They have to be the biggest and most promoted group, in their eyes. Twiztid has earned this opportunity to shine.
So when the news came out today I sat for an hour thinking about how I feel. Here is what I decided:
-Twiztid deserves a chance to shine and be more heavily promoted.
-If ICP and Psychopathic do nothing to change the course, they will be closing their doors within 5 years. They just lost one of the biggest money making groups. The other side is that Twiztid makes up a huge part of Dark Lotus and Psychopathic Rydas and those two groups can no longer exist either.
-Blaze will surely follow Twiztid's lead. They are long time homies and I fully expect Blaze will leave the hatchet as well.
-I will support both Twiztid and Psychopathic records. They both hold a special place in my life and I will not choose sides.
-The shape of the underground has shifted and I am excited to see what is to come.
Family I don't know what side you fall on, but I would hope you show support for both groups. They have both done a lot to earn and keep our respects. Lets not let this event shatter our Family. We all need to stand tall in the face of whatever is coming and bond together. I will wear the hatchet til the day I die with pride.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Low Down and Dirty Tour Review
So Sunday night we went to Lubbock, TX to see Boondox and Mars on the Low Down and Dirty tour! It was me, my wife, one of her friends and my homies Jay, Draztik, Cosmo (I will explain his name in a second), and T. We left around noon and were surprised when we got there and not too many people were around, it was about 3 pm. We went inside Jakes to relax and get a few drinks. Here is where cosmo gets his name, he introduced himself to me as dizzle, but the first drink he ordered was a Vodka/Cranberry. When the drink arrived and was PINK looking like a cosmo his name was official. He is a young 21 and we had to break him into more manly drinks after this. The BS came in a few minutes later when the bartender began passing up Juggalos who wanted drinks and no waitresses would come to our side of the bar. We kinda made a fuss and Draz talked to the manager and got it straightened out. We finally get into Jake's Backroom where the show is going to be around 7ish.
The first group out of the box was Multiple Personality Disorder. I didn't much like their set but other people did. Then a few other local groups came up and did about 15 min each, I can't really remember the names so I guess that explains what I thought of them. During the second to last opener, Claas, I noticed Mars come into the room. I hit him up because we had an interview scheduled at the show (review for that is coming on the blog soon. I am cleaning up the audio and getting a transcript ready), he said to get with him after his set and we would be good to go. The last opener before Mars was a group called Wicked Ways. They were really good. They started their show and then the black lights kicked on revealing Glow in the Dark paint, it was pretty sweet! They did about 20 min and then it was time for Mars.
Mars went on stage and absoultely killed it! He did a ton of old songs and a few new ones. He did his things for about 20 minutes and then turned the stage over to Cousin Cleetus. Cleetus did amazing! I only got to see the beginning of his set and then I had to go interview Mars. From what I was told Cousin Cleetus announced his affiliation with Psychopathic as official, although I will wait for word from the label on that.
I was able to interview mars for about 40 minutes. He was super cool and down to earth. He freely answered all of my questions and I am stoked to be able to get that interview online ASAP! Draztik also was able to talk with him about a possible collab (but that is purely specualtion at this point, nothing official).
Then it was time for the Skarcrow himself, Boondox. He hit the stage and blew back every wig in the audience. My boy T had his PSychopathic concert cherry popped, and lets just say he was loving life. Boondox tore the stage with a huge selection from his discography and even dropped some new sounds on us, let's just say I can't wait for a new Boondox Album! He hit all the classics like Seven, Toast to the Family, Freak Bitch, Color you dead, and so many more. He truely stood alone as the Psychopathic killa that night.
So I wake up today and find out that the next stop on their tour was in Albuquerque and one of the opening acts jumped Cousin Cleetus 4 on 1. No explaination other than shouting 505 and then throwing down. He is fine and the tour rolls on. Boondox seems quite pissed and I would hate to see what happens to the guys that did that crap. So that is the stale news. The hype news i s that the tour still has a ton of stops and encourage all Juggalo/Juggalettes to get your butts to the tour. Whatever the ticket price it will be worth it.
That's all I got right now. But keep your eyes peeled on the blog for the interview coming with Mars. I will do my best to get it up before next week.
MMMFWCL,
Juggalotus
The first group out of the box was Multiple Personality Disorder. I didn't much like their set but other people did. Then a few other local groups came up and did about 15 min each, I can't really remember the names so I guess that explains what I thought of them. During the second to last opener, Claas, I noticed Mars come into the room. I hit him up because we had an interview scheduled at the show (review for that is coming on the blog soon. I am cleaning up the audio and getting a transcript ready), he said to get with him after his set and we would be good to go. The last opener before Mars was a group called Wicked Ways. They were really good. They started their show and then the black lights kicked on revealing Glow in the Dark paint, it was pretty sweet! They did about 20 min and then it was time for Mars.
Mars went on stage and absoultely killed it! He did a ton of old songs and a few new ones. He did his things for about 20 minutes and then turned the stage over to Cousin Cleetus. Cleetus did amazing! I only got to see the beginning of his set and then I had to go interview Mars. From what I was told Cousin Cleetus announced his affiliation with Psychopathic as official, although I will wait for word from the label on that.
I was able to interview mars for about 40 minutes. He was super cool and down to earth. He freely answered all of my questions and I am stoked to be able to get that interview online ASAP! Draztik also was able to talk with him about a possible collab (but that is purely specualtion at this point, nothing official).
Then it was time for the Skarcrow himself, Boondox. He hit the stage and blew back every wig in the audience. My boy T had his PSychopathic concert cherry popped, and lets just say he was loving life. Boondox tore the stage with a huge selection from his discography and even dropped some new sounds on us, let's just say I can't wait for a new Boondox Album! He hit all the classics like Seven, Toast to the Family, Freak Bitch, Color you dead, and so many more. He truely stood alone as the Psychopathic killa that night.
So I wake up today and find out that the next stop on their tour was in Albuquerque and one of the opening acts jumped Cousin Cleetus 4 on 1. No explaination other than shouting 505 and then throwing down. He is fine and the tour rolls on. Boondox seems quite pissed and I would hate to see what happens to the guys that did that crap. So that is the stale news. The hype news i s that the tour still has a ton of stops and encourage all Juggalo/Juggalettes to get your butts to the tour. Whatever the ticket price it will be worth it.
That's all I got right now. But keep your eyes peeled on the blog for the interview coming with Mars. I will do my best to get it up before next week.
MMMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Low Down and Dirty Tour
So tomorrow my friends and I are going to the Low Down and Dirty tour in Lubbock, TX! This is headlined by Boondox and Mars. The most awesome part is Mars has agreed to sit down after the show and do an interview for my little blog here. To say I am excited would be an understatement. So the plan is to go see the show, and of course you guys will get a nice review of the trip, and then after hit up Mars for an interview. I think I am most looking forward to having the ability to get his take on the music/movies/video games make people do bad things debate. I watched his interview on CBS about the Syko Sam killings and am fairly certain I know his position but it will be a good chance to ask other related questions from a non-anti-horrocore perspective. I also have several other groups that have agreed to interviews, but I will keep their names hidden until they are done and ready to be posted.
I am still waiting on T.O.N.E.-Z to get back to me about his interview but know I have not forgotten you guys want it! Any underground or up and coming artists in the West Texas/New Mexico region, heck anywhere for that matter, that would like to hit me up for an interview feel free. I love being able to help you guys get your name out there. I also love promoting the genre and all the bands/groups making it happen. I want this blog to become what it should be, a positive place for promoting Horrorcore fans and artists and changing the image the mainstream media and law enforcement has of us. We can make a difference and we can change things. We may never be "accepted" by those people but we should not be outcast by them either.
I will get my review of the tour and the interview up hopefully Monday or Tuesday.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
I am still waiting on T.O.N.E.-Z to get back to me about his interview but know I have not forgotten you guys want it! Any underground or up and coming artists in the West Texas/New Mexico region, heck anywhere for that matter, that would like to hit me up for an interview feel free. I love being able to help you guys get your name out there. I also love promoting the genre and all the bands/groups making it happen. I want this blog to become what it should be, a positive place for promoting Horrorcore fans and artists and changing the image the mainstream media and law enforcement has of us. We can make a difference and we can change things. We may never be "accepted" by those people but we should not be outcast by them either.
I will get my review of the tour and the interview up hopefully Monday or Tuesday.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
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